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Serge listens closely to the plans, but as the task becomes clear, his face falls in disappointment and he sighs audibly. "We're to break into a prison?" He folds his arms across his chest and paces a few times before stopping in place. "An innocent live is being held unjustly. To me, that is well above the need to follow the laws of these lands. I will not stand in anyone's way if they choose to deceive the interrogator, but I cannot say I will participate," he firmly says. "I will, however, do anything I can to rescue Zefiro."
The Halfling smiles at Fundir's suggestion about eliminating obstacles. "I presume you will do what is necessary to insure the success of the mission. That being said, if you are caught, your actions will reflect on the society as well as yourself."
"As Serge has pointed out, the imprisonment of Zefiro is in no small way an unjust act. Regardless of House Thrune's legal standing, they have taken things to fare. Classifying something as legal, doesn't make it just. Keep in mind that, with the exception of the higher level administration, most of the guards are there to do their eight and hit the gate."
The Halfling glances down at Serge's holy symbol. "Besides, it looks like your paladin follows the god of vengeance. This is likely just the ting that brings the favor of his god. I would consider displacing that holy symbol while we attempt the ruse."
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Fundir shrugs at the halflings implications. "I am sure we can come up with something that is palatable to all of us.." he says with a look around at the team.
As Serge responds to his question, the Nagaji bows to him. "I would expect nothing less from you, my friend. As long as you are able to hold your tongue while the rest talk, it should suffice. Perhaps a vow of silence? Either real or acted.. that could excuse you from interacting without tipping off anyone?" he finishes, amused at his creativity.
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"I hope you have nothing against me tagging along?" - Ederen creeps up from the back of the room with a respectful nod to both Venture-Captain Dennel Hamshanks and Zarta Dralneen - "the Captain has acquiesced in letting me join you after I... Well, I had some personal issues to clear out..." - the half orc grumbles.
"Well met" - he offers to the sorcerer - "I am Ederen" - his tone is formal, and spoken politely, though it does not seem to come naturally to him.
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Solstice timidly lowers her head and respond, "Well met. I've heard of you. Magus, right?"
Solstice is a northerner, with a moderate Shoanti accent. She bears the earmarks of an ifrit outsider. Her skin is brass in color and her hair is white, but iridescent, almost gnomishly. Rather than the jewelry typical for most of her kind, she sports elaborate and very colorful tattoos more in line with her Shoanti ancestry, though the two small nubbins that poke from her brow are pierced and anchor the two ends of a thin gold strand with small tasteful but glittering dangling jewels.
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"A vow of silence. Hmm. That's a great idea, Fundir, however depending on the severity of the deceit, it may be difficult to hold my tongue," Serge remarks. "Perhaps a drink will make it go down easier."
Come to think of it, it's been days since I've been drunk. I hadn't even noticed.
"I know Felli is quite capable of crafting stories. Thinking back to those guards at the Fox Den, he knew exactly what to say. I have no doubts he will only do so if it's absolutely needed."
When Ederen shows up, Serge turns and smiles. "Ah, so my bodyguard's returned!" He offers him a handshake.
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Solstice timidly lowers her head and respond, "Well met. I've heard of you. Magus, right?"
Solstice is a northerner, with a moderate Shoanti accent. She bears the earmarks of an ifrit outsider. Her skin is brass in color and her hair is white, but iridescent, almost gnomishly. Rather than the jewelry typical for most of her kind, she sports elaborate and very colorful tattoos more in line with her Shoanti ancestry, though the two small nubbins that poke from her brow are pierced and anchor the two ends of a thin gold strand with small tasteful but glittering dangling jewels.
Ederen stares momentarily at Solstice, mouth slightly agape as if he was just about to say something, but the thought got lost as he looked at the striking sorcerer - "I am a Magus yes..." - he nods. The half-orc's attire had clearly seen good use, and definitely needs repairs here and there, but the lamellar plated leather seemed to be in good condition, as well as the scimitar and mace dangling easily at his waist - "I did not get your name Miss..."
Felli pats Ederen on the shoulder, "Welcome back. You missed out on some fun last time."
"Couldn't be helped my friend - it will not happen again though. It is a matter that has been settled... Permanently" - he returned the greeting to his companion.
When Ederen shows up, Serge turns and smiles. "Ah, so my bodyguard's returned!" He offers him a handshake.
By now the half-orc is laughing - "You can count on it sir! Been taking a lot of long drawn baths lately?"
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A series of confusing facial gestures follows his pronouncement, contrastingly proud and then demure and humble, settling finally into its previous submissive posture. There is obviously a struggle inside of her when it comes to status and self-worth.
"Perhaps. I have been raised... oddly, I have begun to understand. My parents thought my birth auspicious and have been telling me from birth that I am destined for great things, but then treating me like most women in my culture as chattel with very few choices. I really don't know how to think of myself. This world that you all live in is foreign to me and often confusing. So may laws and yet so much freedom. It takes some getting used to."
Both Venture-Captain Dennel Hamshanks as well as the Halfling allow enough time for the group to get reacquainted. Zarta on the other hand excuses herself and heads out the door. Her demeanor exhibits a focused train of thought as she is obviously distracted by the mission at hand.
After the group comfortably exchanges a few warm greetings, Tamrin makes his way around the room and begins to hand out a number of bronze Consortium badges. “These badges should help sell the fact that you are tied to the Aspis Consortium. I take it that I do not need to elaborate about the organization. You will have all day tomorrow to gather what provisions you think you may need for the mission. We will meet back at these docks aboard The Queen Gale tomorrow night. The gale is a ship that has had a history of service with the Bellflower network and will suit our purpose quite well."
After a full day of provisioning you manage to locate The Queen Gale. It is a well warn cargo ship that has obviously seen a number of years at sea. Although the ship has been weathered, it appears to be made of sturdy stock.
As you approach the ship's loading ramp you make out the rest of your group gathered at shipside. After a few hours of loading and unloading supply crates, the Gale sets sale for Ostenso. The choppy Sea makes for a rough trip, but outside the inclement weather, the trip goes smoothly. After making the proper arrangements to dock, the Gale gets pulled into harbor by a number of small rowboats.
Tamerin wastes no time to disembark. He gathers everyone together and leads the group to a rectangular stone building capped with an octagonal pyramid. Each side of the pyrmid bears the painted image of a red nail, though rain has made the paint run, so rivulets of red stain the roof and make the image appear to be bleeding. Located at different locations the symbol of a red-crowned spike piercing a golden ring is prominently displayed.
After reaching the building, Tamerin instructs everyone to wait outside while he goes in and makes the necessary arrangements. After nearly a half an hour he returns accompanied by a retinue of soldiers, led by a lanky interrogator with manacles hanging from his belt.
The Halfling gestures in your direction prompting the interrogator to size up your group. “You see, as I said, the group is quite capable. They will be able to help hold down the fort while we deal with the problem.”
After a few moments to consider the Halfling’s suggestion, the interrogator nods over to one of the guards. “This is Galvar. He is one of my more trusted guards. He will escort your group while they tend to the security of the joint. At no time will your group wander off, disappear, or partake in any exchange of contraband within the facility. Is that understood?”
Tabrin nods in agreement to the interrogator’s demand and begins to lead both him and the remainder of his group off to deal with his fabricated Loyalty Day debacle.
Once the interrogator leaves, Galvar relaxes a bit. Welcome to the Bloody Nail. The grimiest place in Golarion. I’m sure you will find it quite uplifting here. You must have pissed off someone in order to land this crappy assignment. Don’t be surprised if most the staff are in foul spirits tonight seeing they are being forced to miss the celebration. You are free to move about the facility as you see fit, but unfortunately I must remain with you at all times.” Without hesitation Galvar opens the first door to the facility.
Four statues of snarling hounds stand in the corners of the Nail’s entrance hall. A red rug covers much of the floor, although stone peeks through the holes worn in the severely trodden carpet.
Posted up in front of the next set of doors stands another guard who looks heavy eyed, but vigilant. Both Galvar and the other guard nod to each other with recognition then Galvar turns back to the group. “This is Straven. He makes sure unwanted visitors remain outside the facility.” Straven remains somewhat quiet as he looks over the group.
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By now the half-orc is laughing - "You can count on it sir! Been taking a lot of long drawn baths lately?"
Serge chuckles. "After that last exploration through the ancient ruins, a long bath was just what I needed to cleanse myself of whatever evil we encountered there. You missed quite the battle."
After taking a close look at the outside of the building, Serge follows Galvar in. He stands anxiously and awkwardly erect, his back straight enough that his heavy armor begins to cause a cramp to shoot through his shoulders. "Unwanted visitors, hmm? Do you get a lot of those?" He asks, overemphasizing his curiosity.
I should really let someone else do the talking or they're quickly going to see right through us.
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Felli snorts at Serge, taking on a rough demeanor to emphasis the role of a guard being punished by guarding when he wants to do something else. "I imagine a bunch of people want to escape and have buddies willing to help them. But no worries, people will probably be busy with the celebration."
Felli glances around the place while he yawns, trying to pick out the number of guards and possible hiding places, plus traps.
; 27 with traps.
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Something seems to shift inside of Solstice and her normally demure posture is replaced with a confident stance and direct stare. She wander idly over to the nearest statue and starts touching it absent mindedly.
"Yes, the celebration. I don't see why we must hunker down and suffer here. Can't we have our own celebration? I mean really! We have the entire building. Certainly you have ways to entertain yourselves? Perhaps we could even invite some 'guests' from the cells? They could prove entertaining, no?"
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Fundir peers worriedly at Serge as he begins the conversation, but remains silent himself. As Galvar is introduced, Fundir gives the man a slight bow, then follows into the jail. He peers around the room at the statues, remembering the doctored and ensorcelled statues in the desert. Well.. these look real.. but then so did the other one too.. he thinks to himself. His form shifts to that of a hawk as he peers around the room and inspects the guard near the door.
Galvar seems to be onboard with the boss is away in-house celebration idea, up to the point that Solstice mentions including the inmates in the celebration. “I’m not celebrating with any crap-bag inmate. I have to spend enough time with these lowlifes without including them in any recreational endeavors.” Besides the guard’s poor reaction to the sorceress’s suggestion, Galvar seems somewhat flexible with the group. Although he is duty-bound to his position it becomes blatant that he doesn’t enjoy his job. It also becomes obvious that he has an even lower regard for the general population of the facility.
The guard posted up at the front door continues to remain quiet while staring at Fundir. His eyebrows raise a bit when the hunter takes on the new form.
As the group prepares to enter the second door of the facility, Galvar begins sharing some friendly advice. “We don’t allow any intoxicants or narcotics into the facility, but you will find them often enough on inmates. It seems like the harder we try to keep the substances out of the facility, the more they have. In many cases you will find a homemade intoxicant known as pruno or hooch stashed away in their cells, under their bunks, or in their lockers. This kind of thing causes more fights and violence than just about anything else in the facility. I would also warn you that much of the population have some sort of make-shift weapon stashed away, so be mindful of harsh encounters. You are welcome to search for any of the above, but from my experience, many of the offenders carry their contraband in their prison pocket, if you know what I mean.”
Galvar smiles at Serge's obvious misunderstanding of his reference. "Well I believe the inmates come with their own built in prision pocket. You know the safe?" Galvar sighes. "Up their butts." Upon his final explanation, Galvar opens the second set of doors.
Iron bars separate the Nail’s southern hallways from the northern ones. Basic lanterns hang from the ceiling in each corner surrounding the central prison, lighting the halls. Four guards currently make rounds throughout this section and are overseeing what inmates are currently present. When your group enters, the guards take a moment and shoot concerning looks your way.
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Fundir quietly notes the hidden lump for future reference, and follows the rest of the group through into the first floor of the jail. He chuckles as certain members of the team miss the reference to the "Prison Pocket".. little surprise there.. he thinks to himself.
Suddenly, he notices the extra scrutiny he is receiving from the guard, and looks the man right in the eye before going through a dizzying transformation of one beast to another.. Bull, Falcon, Frog, Bat, Bear, Monkey.. they all make an appearance before he settles back on his usual form.. and just for shits and giggles transforms only his lower face to that of a snake and tasting the air about him with his serpentine tongue, grinning at the man the whole while. Quickly growing bored with this game, he follows the others into the next room where Solstice suggests a tour. "I think this would be a wonderful idea.." Fundir says, turning towards Galvar. "I have heard many things about this place. Any chance you can give us a tour and a bit of history? This may be a long shift if we are running here and there trying to find where we need to be."
After considering the request of a quick tour, the guard nods in agreement. “That sounds reasonable, as long as we all stay together.” Without delay, Galvar begins leading the group clockwise.
After taking the lead, Galvar approaches the first door to the groups left and opens it. “This is the staff lounge.” He says as he points into the room. This cozy chamber features wooden chairs arranged casually around two tables. Two blazing fireplaces warm the room—a western one facing in toward an open door and a southern one furnished with kitchen utensils and cook pots. Playing cards, dice, and other diversions litter the tables. A gamey smell wafts through the room. Currently there are five guards occupying the room. One of the guards looks to be preparing something in a large pot while the other four are sitting around and resting. All five look up when the door opens and then goes back to what they were doing.
After entering the lounge, Galvar heads over to a door that is close by. ”This is the facility barracks.” three guards are currently getting ready to take advantage of the many common beads available in this room. Across from the barracks, Galvar points out a storage closet.
Continuing on, Galvar leads the group across the length of the facility to another set of doors. “This is our main office.” A smoldering fireplace illuminates this room, casting red light over a massive corner desk littered with disorganized papers. A seven-foot-tall statue of a four-horned fiend with a burning crown overlooks the desk from the corner.
After visiting the office the guard heads over to a reinforced looking room. “This is the facility vauly.” Steel beams reinforce the walls of this chamber, which is accessible only through a round iron door with an inset wheel. The numerals one through nine embellish the wheel’s edge, with the number one set in the uppermost position beneath a stone arrow.
Continuing on he then leads the group back around the other side of the building to another set of doors. ”This is the facility’s main storage area." This chamber stores crates containing various odds and ends necessary for running a prison: food, manacles, parchment, ink, and other supplies. Two cages for minor offenders, animals, or valuables stand against the east wall, and an interior door leads into another room.
Within the storage area he moves over to another door and opens it. ”This is our archives.” Hundreds of manuscripts and prison records fill this room’s shelves, many bearing labels such as “Accounting,” “Calendars,” and “Discharge Logs.”
After pausing a moment in front of the archives, he then leads the group back towards the center of the facility and through a heavy set of double doors. ”This is the main prison grounds.” The stink of unwashed bodies permeates this narrow corridor, illuminated by violet prisms set into sconces on the inner corners. Iron bars isolate the hall’s outer perimeter, where the walls are lined with manacles set into the stone. Dozens of filthy prisoners lie behind the bars, each one wearing a sign around his or her neck bearing an identification number, a crime, a red “X” next to the word “Interrogation,” and a release date. Two sets of iron double doors lead deeper into the building.
Finally he leads the group back to the main entrance, where the tour began.
Galvar points at a heavy set of double doors located in the center of the prison. "Most interrogations happen there. I would have included the area in the tour, but we currently have occupants utilizing the room. Although I have never personally participated during the process, I understand it can be quite brutal. I have been instructed not to disturb the process, so I have opted to leave it out of the tour. I hope you understand."
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What a wretched, awful, disgusting place. Criminals everywhere, and the smell... Ragathiel weeps.
Serge is mostly quiet on the lengthy tour, but when he hears of the interrogation room being occupied, he wonders what's actually going on inside. "Perhaps Felli might be interested in assisting with the interrogation, sir. He is quite skilled with getting the truth out of people."
Galvar shakes his head when Serge mentions Felli helping with the interrogation. "No that would be a bad idea. Our interrogators are good at what they do and they don't like to be interrupted."
As Solstice begins to walk away from the group, Galvar moves to intercept. "Unfortunately, I have been instructed to keep an eye on your group. I can not permit you to wander off on your own. If you would like, we could all head to the lounge."
As previously described during the tour, this cozy chamber features wooden chairs arranged casually around two tables. Two blazing fireplaces warm the room—a western one facing in toward an open door and a southern one furnished with kitchen utensils and cook pots. Playing cards, dice, and other diversions litter the tables. A gamey smell wafts through the room.
There is currently five guards moving about the room and utilizing its amenities. One of the guards is standing over a cooking pot and is tending something that smells quite good. A couple of the guards close to the lounges entrance nod over to Galvar.
Galvar pulls up a chair and sits at one of the tables. “If you are hungry, it looks like the rabbit stew is almost done.”
In the distance, you catch wind of a couple inmates complaining about how good the stew smells and how long it has been since they have had a good meal. After the distant comment, a few of the guards chuckle.
Galvar leans back in his chair to the point that the chair's front legs come off the ground. “Unusual,……hmmm….Well, off the top of my head I can think of three that stand out. On the top of the list, undeniably, is the dog slasher. He is known for a series of murders that where perpetrated with a dog-slicer. As it stands, he has twelve confirmed murders, and to this day they are still uncovering bodies. What made his kills so gruesome is that fact that none of them where over the age of ten. Then there is the card. He was known back in the day for his ability to blend into virtually any environment while eliminate almost any target. To this day, we still have government officials stopping in to check on him. More recently we acquired a half orc, which I can’t remember his name, who killed eight people with his bear hands in a bar brawl.”
At the mention of the half-orc, one of the guards at the front door pipes in. “Just yesterday that guy put three inmates in the infirmary for attempting to take his chow. I expect to see a lot more excitement from that one. The rest of the population is referring to him as knuckles.”
After about ten minutes the guard tending the stew pulls the pot off the fire and sits it on the table. Soon after, the rest of the guards take a seat and begin serving up what looks like a hearty helping of rabbit stew.
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Serge takes a gulp from his bowl of stew and feels the warm broth pleasantly slide down his throat. "This is quite good, Galvar. My thanks." Turning to the guards, he decides to make conversation. "So, what can you tell us about the interrogation? It seems like whoever was in there was a high priority subject."
Unfortunately for Serge, his stew drips out of his mouth while speaking and he simply looks like a buffoon.
Unimpressed with Serge's manners, the guards seem unmoved and continue with the meal. Their table manners are similarly lacking as they tear pieces off of a table community bread role. With his mouth half full, Galvar attempts to answer Serges question.
"Well..." Some small bits of rabbit fall from the guards mouth. "Earlier a reportsentive." he says as small amounts of stew spittle spray in front of him. "Of Thun came in with a prosioner. I thenks he's there." Just before the last of the man's mothfull of stew tumbles out, he shoves another spoonfull of stew in.